1 October 2026• byLaura Hellfeld
Many PDAers experience significant fluctuations in their relationship with food and eating. A food they enjoyed yesterday may feel impossible today. Eating that happens comfortably at home may not happen at school. Hunger does not always lead to eating, and pressure often makes things harder rather than easier.
Event Date:
Oct 01 at 12:00 AM
The PDA Space Summit, October 1st – 4th 2026
My Webinar
Why They Can Eat It One Day and Not the Next: Understanding Fluctuating Capacity Around Food
Many PDAers experience significant fluctuations in their relationship with food and eating. A food they enjoyed yesterday may feel impossible today. Eating that happens comfortably at home may not happen at school. Hunger does not always lead to eating, and pressure often makes things harder rather than easier.
For parents, carers, and educators, this can feel confusing, worrying, and emotionally exhausting. This is especially true when eating differences are misunderstood as behaviour, refusal, control, or poor routine.
This webinar explores food and eating through the lens of fluctuating capacity, nervous system safety, autonomy, sensory experience, and demand. Together, we will unpack why eating is never “just eating” for many PDA and neurodivergent young people. We’ll look at how stress, sensory load, and environmental demands can significantly impact access to food.
Designed for parents, carers, educators, and professionals.
Last modified: 7 May 2026